Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

p.1

The provision is good

Children demonstrate that they feel happy and secure in the 'homely' environment. For instance, children readily seek out the childminder and her assistant for cuddles. They are shown genuine care and affection through warm and supportive interactions. Children develop secure attachments. This supports their emotional security well.

p.2

The provision is good

Children make good progress from their starting points across the seven areas of learning and development. The childminder has high expectations for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). For example, she works closely with outside agencies to seek support to ensure that referrals are made quickly. This enables children to access specialist intervention to support them further and minimise gaps in learning.

p.2

The provision is good

Children have good attitudes to learning. For instance, during free play, children quickly engage with resources that interest them. They concentrate and try hard as they successfully complete puzzles independently. The childminder and her assistant consistently praise children for their efforts. This impacts positively on the development of their character and self-esteem.

p.2

The provision is good

Children benefit from spending lots of time outside in the fresh air and being physically active. For example, they regularly spend time at local beaches, parks and woodlands. The childminder plans an effective curriculum that enhances children's experiences and supports their physical development well.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder knows the children well. This enables her to plan an effective curriculum that meets their learning needs effectively. For instance, children are highly engaged as they explore art resources and decorate Christmas gifts for their families. Their knowledge is extended well as new mathematical language is introduced to describe the different shapes and sizes. Children benefit from meaningful learning across the early years foundation stage curriculum. n The childminder selects resources well to reflect children's current interests. However, she does not fully consider how to organise her environment to help children select toys and lead their own learning through play. Children must wait while resources are collected, which impacts their enjoyment of their play. n Children generally behave well at the childminder's home. The atmosphere feels calm and relaxing. For example, children respond well to adult requests to help

p.2

need to do better?

tidy up before mealtimes. They enjoy the responsibility of completing small tasks and are thanked and praised by the childminder and her assistant. However, there are occasions when children struggle to regulate their own behaviour. The

p.2

need to do better?

13 December 2022 childminder and her assistant are not fully effective at supporting children to share and take turns. This impacts on their personal, social and emotional development as they do not yet have the skills to negotiate with their peers independently. n The childminder and her assistant support children well to be increasingly independent in their self-care routines. For instance, at mealtimes, children know the routine well. They are encouraged and supported to wash their own hands. They sit sensibly at the table. Babies in highchairs are supported well to feed themselves and drink from lidded bottles. These effective practices support and promote the development of children's emotional security and their character. They become confident, resilient learners. n The childminder and her assistant have an ambitious vision for continuous improvement. For example, they both talk passionately about the services that

p.2

need to do better?

they provide for their children and families. They undertake regular training to keep their knowledge up to date. This ensures that they can support all children, including those with SEND effectively. Children make continued progress in their learning and development and are more than ready for their next stage of learning. n Parent partnerships are a strength of the childminder. For instance, parents share consistently positive feedback about the 'home-from-home' environment at the childminder's home. They comment about their 'supportive, professional approach' to caring for their children. The childminder regularly shares information with her parent's about children's progress. This is effective in supporting children's learning at home. These relationships reflect a positive, respectful culture that impacts positively on the outcomes for children.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. This enables them to effectively safeguard children and families in their care. They talk confidently about a wide range of issues that may impact on the safety of children, such as the 'Prevent' duty, county lines, female genital mutilation and domestic violence. They know who and when to refer to if they were to have concerns about children in their care and if an allegation was made about a member of their household. They ensure that their home is safe and secure by continually monitoring the environment, inside and outside.

p.3

should:

n review the organisation of the environment to enable children to access resources independently

p.3

should:

13 December 2022 n strengthen behaviour management strategies to enable children to develop a better understanding of their feelings, turn-taking and sharing.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY232545 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10264326 Type of provision Childminder

p.5

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.5

inspection

Total number of places 11 Number of children on roll 10 Date of previous inspection 12 June 2017

p.5

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2003 and lives in Margate, Kent. She operates between 8am to 4pm. The childminder has a level 3 childcare qualification and works with an assistant.

p.5

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The childminder and the inspector completed a learning walk together to discuss the childminder's intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the interactions between the childminder and children. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.5

Inspection activities

13 December 2022 13 December 2022 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.7

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.7